Volume 2, Issue 1

Our Mission and Goal

In October, we are continuing our message series called “Church on Pur-pose.” We’ve been looking at the 5-fold mission of the church – F.E.A.S.T., fellowship, evangelism, adoration, servanthood, and teaching. This month we’ll be looking at our mission and goal.

Along with the purpose of the Church, God also has a clear mission. At Old Fort Church we’ve identified that mission with the mission statement: “Bringing people to Jesus.” What does it take to bring people to Jesus? What does bringing people to Jesus look like? Why is this mission critical? What happens when a church loses track of this all important mission? What happens to a church that is on mission for God? These are some the questions that we’re going to be addressing.

It’s not only important that we know God’s mission for the Church, but we need to have a clear understanding what the goal of the mission is. Do you remember the stories of Johnny Appleseed when you were a kid? Johnny Appleseed was on a mission to plant apple trees all across the country. What was the goal of his mission? It was simple; he wanted everyone to ex-perience the delicious fruit called the apple. Johnny was a seed planter with the mission of bearing fruit. The goal of our mission is similar. We desire to bear the fruit of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

When the LEAD Team, staff, and I explored the Scriptures to identify the purpose of the church, we also discussed God’s goal for our church. We came up with a working goal statement that represents God’s goal: “Becoming and making fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.” That is what a disciple is, a “fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ.” Just like with Johnny Apple-seed, the proof of him reaching the goal of his mission is bearing fruit. The proof of reaching the goal of our mission is fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ who bear fruit. The Bible tells us that you know a disciple by the fruit that she or he bears. We’ll be exploring the fruit bearing of fully devot-ed followers of Jesus Christ.

(Continued on page 2)

October2013

Current Sermon

Series

Inside this issue:

Church Conference Weekly Prayer Group UMW

2 2 3

Adult Bible Study Christmas Child Homeless

3 3 4

Prayer Concerns So Sew Nice AWANA

5 5 6

Preschool Lead Team Minutes History

7 8 9

Harvest Party 11

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“Church on Purpose” has been an exciting se-ries as we’ve taken a true look at the fellowship that believers share, explored and given tools for doing evangelism, expressed our adoration to God in new and meaningful ways, drew close to Jesus in his heart in servanthood, and focused on the importance of growing disciples in the teaching of God’s Word. We’re not done yet! Join us in Octo-ber as we continue with the mission and goal of God’s Church! Living out what God’s Church is called to be and do is a joyful journey to be on! I am so pleased to be on this journey with all of you!

In Christ’s Love,

Marc

Tell Me About Your Growth and Service

I have really been enjoying getting to know everyone at Old Fort Church, and learning about the many ways that God is working here. I want to learn more, so I’m asking you to help. I want to know about all of the groups of the church – small groups, Sunday School Classes, Bible studies, prayer groups, men’s groups, wom-en’s groups, ministry/service groups – you name it. I am asking everyone to send me an email (marc@oldfortchurch.com) or drop me a note to tell me where you’re connected. Tell me about the groups for growth or service that you’re in. Tell me the name of the groups and give me a one or two line description about what each one is about. I truly appreciate your help in this. It might just help us to connect others to places where they can grow and serve.

Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Come to a Get To Know You Gathering

The last day for “Get to Know You Gather-ings” at the parsonage is scheduled for Sunday October 13th, with meetings at 3 PM and 6 PM. The first three Sundays of meetings have gone great. We’ve had close to 100 people attend. We don’t want to miss anyone, so if you’ve not yet joined us, please sign up for the last day on the board in the back of the church, or call the office and ask Janet to put you on the schedule.

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CHURCH CONFERENCE OCTOBER 19, 2013

1:00 pm

The church business meeting is at Bowling Green First United Methodist Church

1526 E. Wooster Street Bowling Green, Ohio 43402

Join our New Weekly Prayer

Group

Thursday morning 6:45 AM at the church.

Bring your Bible. Sunday Morning Prayer

Sundays at 7:45 AM at the church. Join with Pas-tor Marc in praying for the presence and work of

God throughout our church facility.

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THE MESSENGER Due to issues of delivery with bulk mailings and expense, future copies of THE MESSENGER will be available on the church website, facebook, or printed copies will be available on the table in the overflow room. If you are unable to receive by any of these op-tions, a copy can be mailed by contacting the church office.

United Methodist Women

The UMW will meet on October 2, at 10:00 AM, at Nature Trails.

The program will be presented by Marcia Leaser—always inspirational and one of our own! Everyone is invited to attend. Bring a friend. Lunch will be ordered from the menu. For any questions regarding UMW, please con-tact Lois Murray at 419-334-2427. Just a reminder…..bring paper products for the Old Fort Area Food Pantry. (Paper tow-els, toilet paper, napkins, hand soap, etc.)

DISCOVER THE KEYS TO POWERFUL PRAYER

Please join us for this 6 week Adult Bible Study on Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM led by Pastor

Marc. Prayer can change lives and circumstanc-es like nothing else. What are the keys that un-lock its power, that change prayer from a mere activity into a vital link with God and all His re-sources? Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, shows us truths about prayer that God has used to turn his own church from a tiny, struggling inner-city congregation into a vital, thriving community of believers who pray with passion, focus, and faith.

HELPING HANDS —-

We can, and do, make a difference in the lives of those around us who just need a little

help. If you know of anyone who needs help, contact Linda Woodruff or Emily Kizer.

This is the 20th year celebration for Op-eration Christmas Child. The collection begins on October 19th and runs through November 16th. Collection week is November 18—22. Brochures for shoebox directions and labels are available on the table in the overflow room. Questions, please call or see Lisa Randall (419-639-0116), or Vicki Martin (419-355-2966). Although you may never know who received your gift, that child’s heart has been touched by your generosity.

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Old Fort Church Old Fort Church Old Fort Church Old Fort Church

donated $652.00 to donated $652.00 to donated $652.00 to donated $652.00 to

the the the the

2013 Festival of 2013 Festival of 2013 Festival of 2013 Festival of

Sharing. Sharing. Sharing. Sharing.

A hearty thank you from the United Methodist Women to all who donated toward the Festival of Sharing project. This year we asked for money rather than School or Health kits. The money has been sent to Sager Brown where kits will be filled and made ready for distribution. The kits are hand-ed out by UMCOR (United Methodist Commis-sion on Relief) who are at the scenes of disaster very quickly—many times before the Red Cross. It is an organization that is well worth our pray-ers and donations.

CARE TEAM: Key members of the team, or contact people, have been established. If you know of a need, either the church office or the CARE team may be contacted. HOSPITAL/EMERGENCY VISITATION SHUT INS/SERVE COMMUNION Nola Murray 419-992-4585 MEALS Erica Snyder 567-220-6021 PRAYER CHAIN/EMAILS/PHONE Lois Murray 419-334-2427 Ronda Krotzer 419-986-5279 FUNERAL DINNERS Janet Keim 419-992-4433

THERE ARE HOMELESS PEOPLE IN TIFFIN

There is a new transitional homeless shelter in Tiffin named The Morrison House. It will provide a safe haven for homeless singles and families for a period of up to 120 days. Old Fort Church has adopted The Morrison House with

financial assis-tance, as part of our missional giv-ing. There are dif-ferent ways you may become in-volved: Financial, In-Kind Dona-

tions, and Volunteer assistance. Anyone who is interested in participating in this worthwhile opportunity can contact Pat DeMonte at Tiffin-Seneca Co. United Way (419-448-0355), or Jim Boroff at 419-447-0134.

Opportunities to serve others Liberty Center

Old Fort Church helps to serve meals at Liberty Center in Fremont on the 4th Sunday of each month. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Diane Sheets at 419-680-0042.

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So Sew Nice Ministry OCTOBER”

Monday morning work sessions at 10:00

October 7, 14, 21, 28 - 10:00 AM October 12 - 10:00 AM October 22 - 6:00 PM Come join us…….many opportunities other than sewing are available. For more details or information please contact Lynn Ritter at 419-307-1993

PRAYER CONCERNS: Military: Darrell Hurlburt, Christopher Tezlaf, Sgt. Chad Acton, Bill Young, Nicholas Huffman, Chad Hollinger, Cliff Cleve-land, John Hill, Paige (Humbert) Hill, Bradley Wilton,PFC Coral Randolph Our Prayers: Jon & Vickie Finley, Debbie Seibert, Patti Saam, Savannah Bisson, Terry Overmyer, Jen Randolph, Frances & Susan Lynch, Ralph & Edna Watson, Steve Sprow, Sandy Gillett, Betty Casselman, Carl Murray Current prayer lists may also be picked up at the information center at the back of the sanctuary.

Happy Anniversary 1 - Mark & Whitney Willoughby 12 - David & Mary Miller 14 - Ron & Donna Willoughby 15 - Bret & Beth Fry 25 - Lee & Nicole Anderson 25 - John & Jane Willis 29 - Willie & Courtney Fultz

Happy Birthday

1 - Deb Schultz 2 - Chase Harrison 2 - Jeri Ross 3 - Lisa Randall 4 - Velma Stacy 7 - Mike Byrne 7 - Evelyn Heilman 10 - Larry Keim III 11 - Jacob Fuhrer 14 - Carol Pence 15 - Luann Terry 16 - Aleigh Adelsperger 16 - Luke risen 18 - Sandy Gillett 20 - Ralph Watson 22 - Ron Anderson 24 - David Crawford 27 - Jaislynn Woodall 28 - Lauren Bannister 28 - Gladys Binkley 28 - Greg Joseph 28 - Dale Stacy 30 - Jenny Gottfried 30 - Dan Bowes 31 - Owen Kummerer

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YOUTH ACTIVITIES

Our regular youth meetings will be on

Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM with devotions and activities to

follow. It is going to make for an awesome time. Any questions feel free to contact Willie Fultz at 419-992-4336, or

Awana meets on Wednes-day evenings. Dinner is

served at 6:00 PM with activities to follow at 6:30 PM. The clubs are: Puggles: 2 & 3 yr old boys and girls Cubbies: 4 & 5 yr old boys and girls (toilet trained) Sparks: K—2nd grade boys and girls Truth & Training (T&T): 3rd—6th grade boys and girls. Hope to see everyone there! For more information or to inquire on ways to help, contact Willie Fultz at 419-992-4336 or kids@oldfortchurch.com

Children’s Ministry Meeting: October 13, 2013 - 11:30 AM Youth Ministry Meeting October 20, 2013 - 11:30 AM

Nursery Here at Old Fort Church, we are looking

for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with a reoc-curring, yet wonderful, issue on Sunday morn-ings. We are bringing in younger and younger growing families, which is a beautiful dilem-ma. Our problem is we need a set team in place to receive babies and toddlers on a regular basis. When we don’t have individuals in place, we’re essentially telling folks that we don’t care enough to have preparations for their children. That’s the last thing we want people to think. There will be a sign up calendar in the overflow room for those interested in helping. For any questions or willingness to help, contact Diane

Dietz at 419-992-1029.

The Fort is our exciting new venture for children ages 3 years old to those in 6th grade. Those involved in the OFC Kids ministry want to create a thrilling environment where children are ecstatic about coming to church and are anx-ious to tell their friends. The Fort is a separate children’s service that will take place during the 10:00 service. The set-up will look much like a tree fort, leaving room for imagination to roll. The children will be exposed to their own music, games, and a message catered to young minds. For any questions or willingness to help, contact Willie Fultz at 419-992-4336 or email at tmnt_fan_05@yahoo.com.

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CHURCH FINANCIALS: Building Campaign $ 594,345.43 General Fund $193,761.46 Missional Giving $ 12,631.13 2013 Operating Budget $291,095.00

Next Pancake Breakfast October 13, 2013

Served on the second Sunday of the month, with

serving times from

8:00—10:00 AM.

Prayer Gathering October 13,2013

at 6:00 PM Join the Lunch Bunch on the third Wednesday of the month at noon at Nature Trails. Their next gathering is October 16th.

Ralph & Edna Watson would like to thank eve-ryone in our church family for their prayers, cards, phone calls, and food that they received during their recent illnesses.

There are still some openings for the Preschool on Monday/Wednesday/Friday. Contact Miss Terri or Miss Kerry at

419-992- 4325. The Preschool is looking for donations of sturdy outdoor toys for the playground. Some

were damaged in the storm, and others are just in need of replacing.

CREATION BIBLE STUDY Meets on Sunday evenings at 6:00 PM at the church. This study is led by Diane Dietz. Why not stop by and see what we’re all about! For more informa�on, you may con-tact Diane at 419-992-1029. October Schedule: October 20 October 27

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OLD FORT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH LEAD TEAM MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 2013 7:00 PM Present were: Pastor Marc, Tanya Wheatley, Lisa Randall, Sue Rohlf, Kevin Joseph, David Stover, Bret Fry, and Lois Murray. Pastor Marc opened the meeting using Psalm 146 with discussion about how we would put our trust in God. Pastor Marc then offered prayer. In the absence of Luke Riesen, Bret Fry brought the meeting to order. The secretary’s report was approved, as amend-ed, with a motion by David Stover and seconded by Tanya Wheatley. The treasurer’s report was perused and showed the amount of $9271.53 in the checking account. Maumee Watershed District apportionments for 2013 have been paid in full. West Ohio Confer-ence apportionments are up-to-date. The treas-urer’s report was accepted as presented with a motion by Sue Rohlf and seconded by Kevin Jo-seph. Pastor Marc reported: 1. The get-acquainted groups that have met at the parsonage have gone well so far. Here are the questions he is asking: 1) How long have you been at Old Fort Church and how did you end up here; 2) If I were a stranger on the street, what would you tell me about Old Fort Church to get me to come?; and 3) What do you think God wants to see Old Fort Church look like five years from now? Not what you want to see, but God, because this is God’s church, not ours. 2. He is going to start a small group on Wednesday evenings with the study: “When God’s People Pray?” 3. He will be attending a conference in

Chicago on November 6. 4. The next and final training event for new Pastors will be held on September 24 at St. Mark’s in Findlay. 5. The annual Charge Conference will be held on October 19 at 1:00 PM at Bowling Green First United Methodist Church. Lisa Randall reported that the pre-school has 3 new students—totaling 18 at this time. Tanya Wheatley announced that she and Janet Hickey will be attending the “Legal Forum” on November 1. Bret Fry announced that the Capitol Campaign to raise funds for the new building will be insti-tuted soon. Lenny Clouse and crew will be doing some borings on new church property which is necessary before starting new construction. The next Sager Brown trip is set for Feb. 9-14, 2014. Bret Fry announced that Lay Servant Ministry training will be November 1 & 2, 2013 at Wide-water. Widewater Retreat Center is in need of shrubs and perennials—any low-maintenance landscaping foliage. Clouse Construction is rebuilding the chimney that was destroyed in the July storm. They will also fasten down the loose copper sheeting on the steeple. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Lois Murray, Secretary.

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HISTORICALLY SPEAKING….. OTTERBEIN GUILD Some history has been included in this column about the original Women’s Missionary Society of the Old Fort U. B. Church. In addition, one of the important and interesting organizations that was auxiliary to missions was the Otterbein Guild. This was a mission society for girls ages 12 years and up. The Guild at Old Fort was formed in 1922 by Mrs. T. C. Biddle, the pastor’s wife, as the organizer and advisor. There were 11 charter members—many of whom are now an-cestors to present day church members: Leota Little, Blanche DeRan, Mildred Sheidler, Frances Gillmor, Fern Little, Lois Fry, Esther Biddle, Marjorie DeRan, Alelia Berlekamp, Marian Gillmor, and Edna Henretty. They met monthly, usually in the member’s homes, with their own program and special pro-jects which were separate from the adult group. They were to serve only one article for lunch. When they hosted a quarterly meeting with other church Guilds they were to plan a program and social –and have 3 articles for a lunch! An Article in the Constitution read that “non-Christians could become members”. They took part, along with the adult Mission-ary Society, in Conference mission programs and projects. Among other special projects: They collected a Love Offering each Novem-ber to build a combined residence and kindergar-ten in Zize (sp.?), Japan. These monies were sent to Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Knipp who were serving

as missionaries there at that time. A Thanksgiving breakfast and prayer ser-vice was an annual event. It was held at the church and was prepared by women of the Mis-sionary Society. Many times, if the janitor overslept, the church would be quite cold, but there was warmth in the love of those gathered together and it was a high-light of the year. They also assisted in planning the program when the adult group would sponsor a Mother- Daughter Banquet or Tea. After the 1957 church remodeling, they raised money to buy the piano that is still in use in the Fellowship Hall. This organization disbanded in the early 1960’s due to the social changes of that time-- basically when girls were allowed to be in athlet-ics and there was more social outlet in general. However, former members look back with pleas-ure at the sisterhood this organization provided in its own time.

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Fellowship Hour Needs Volunteers:

Sunday morning

Fellowship Hour team needs at least 6-8 mem-bers and a team leader. Team members need to sign up for Sundays which they are able to be in charge. There is a calendar in the church kitchen for this purpose. This involves picking up donuts on Sunday morning (if continuing to get donuts at Tiffin IGA), purchasing milk, juice, bagels, etc., set up and clean up on Sunday morn-ings. If enough people volunteer, you may only need to commit to serving one Sunday every oth-er month. We hope many of you will feel called to be a part of this ministry.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

The Prayer Shawl Ministry at Old Fort Church has changed its meeting to the

fourth THURSDAY of the month at 6:30 PM at the home of Betty Casselman.

All knitters and crocheters are most welcome. If you are interested, but don’t know how to knit or crochet, come anway….we have “experts” who will get you started! Many of you have continued making patches for our “Warm Up America” blankets during the sum-mer, and we appreciate the time and effort it took. We encourage you to continue knitting or crochet-ing prayer shawls. There is much to do and many needs to fill. Come join us on our new night, October 24th from 6:30—8:00 PM at Betty Casselman’s.

Attention ALL Ladies!!!

Want to give a great gift to yourself? Do you want to be blessed and be a blessing to oth-

ers? Then join us on Thursday mornings for our-Ladies Bible Study Small Group. We will meet primarily at Nola Murray’s home on Thursday mornings, from 8:30 am—10:30 am. The Bible study will “jumpstart” with Beth Moore’s study of the Psalms of Ascent called Stepping Up. The study consists of seven video sessions which in-clude a member workbook. If you would like to join this ladies Bible study group, please contact Diane Dietz at 419-992-1029, or email dietzwc@glis.cc for more information. October 3rd October 10th October 31st

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THE WALK TO EMMAUS

I grew up in the country and we had chickens. We always had

fresh eggs, and of course, once in a while, there would be chicken for Sunday dinner! I remember one summer Dad didn’t want the hens to sit on their eggs. I guess we had the range-free type be-cause they would be out and about around the co-op. Well, I discovered a hen was laying eggs under a bush, was sitting on those eggs (oh, the mother instinct!), and eventually we had baby chicks. Dad didn’t really care, but I was pleased that it was my secret. I loved watching that old mother hen with her chicks. Those little ones would be all over the yard, but she kept her eye on them. One day a hawk flew overhead. That mother hen taught me a lesson I still remember to this day. She did not run to those chicks and jump on top of them to try to cover them with her wings. Oh no! She squat-ted down, spread her wings, and began to cluck. Those little chicks came running from every direc-tion to her to get under her outstretched wings. Then, the mother pulled her wings down tight, tucking every little chick safely under her. To get to those babies, that hawk would have to go through the mother! Psalm 91:4 says, “And under His Wings you may seek refuge.” Notice the word MAY. God is our protector, and He will spread His Wings for us, but it will be our choice. He does not run here and there trying to cover us. He said, “I have made protection possible. Run to Me!” And when we run to Him, He will tuck us under His Wings, and the enemy will have to go through God to get to us! There will be a Women’s Walk October 10-13. The next Men’s Walk is November 7—10. If interested, please contact Dave Miller or Nola Murray. DeColoras, Nola Murray

HARVEST

PARTY

Come to the Fall Harvest Party October 27th from 2:00—4:00 PM

Join family and friends for fun and fellowship!

Volunteers are needed to greet, set up and tear down, help with games, crafts, and to prepare the Hobo Stew. Donations of wrapped candy, drinks, do-nuts, apples, straw bales, cornhole boards, paper products, fire rings, wood, and genera-tors are needed. We thank you for your donations! Donated items need to be brought to the church by Wednesday, October 23rd. Donations can be placed in the containers in the overflow room, refrigerator, or freezer. Please mark your items for “Harvest Party.” You may sign up in the pew pads to volun-teer on the 27th. Contact Willie Fultz at 419-992-4336, orkids@oldfortchurch.com with questions or for more information.

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The Messenger is published monthly by Old Fort UMC. In-formational articles may be submitted by e-mail to newsletter@oldfortchurch.com or placed in the newsletter mailbox by the 20th of the month.

Sunday Worship

Blended Service 8:30 AM

Contemporary Service

10:00 AM

Children’s Classes 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM

Adult Classes

8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM

Pastor Marc Quinter 992-4335 Church Office Janet Hickey 992-4336 Family Life Director Willie Fultz 992-4336 Children’s Ministry Youth Sara Riesen 447-8579 Worship Arts Leader Mike Sooy 992-4336 Finance Tanya Wheatley 332-4126 Lay Leader Lead Team Luke Riesen 447-8579 CARE Team Hospital/Emergency Prayer Chain Lois Murray 334-2427 Preschool Terri Davenport 639-3820 UMW Lois Murray 334-2427 Generations Ministry Carol Pence 986-5848 Becky Wilkinson 992-1298 Staff Parish David Stover 443-8836